CANVEY Island ended a run of four successive defeats to beat Writtle Wanderers 18-5 in Essex One.

However, the Islanders made hard work of the win.

Canvey spent the first 20 minutes camped in the Writtle 22 but were only able to score a single penalty, which was kicked by Tom Lister.

The lead was extended when the referee awarded a penalty try following an illegal challenge on Frankee Leeming and Lister’s conversion made it 13-0.

Moments later, Dan Gillett went over for another try which made it 18-0 at the break but Writtle improved in the second half.

As a result, Canvey seemed to lose their way and conceded a penalty try.

Writtle continued to attack in a bid to narrow the home-side’s lead even further.

But Canvey held on to secure the victory, which club spokesman Alex Breading is urging them to learn from.

"We should have been more clinical and put Writtle to the sword in the second half,” said Breading.

“It was as if we were trying too hard to make things happen and we hope lessons have been learnt.”

Canvey remain eighth in the table ahead of Pegasus Palmerians who are 11th after losing 47-0 at home to league leaders May & Baker.